Chaos in Peru: Interim President Resigns Amid Large-Scale Protests

Resignation Letter Submitted to the National Assembly on the 15th... Domestic and International Backlash Since Taking Office on the 10th

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] As Peru's political situation plunged into chaos with large-scale protests continuing daily, interim President Manuel Merino resigned on the 15th (local time). Two protesters died during the crackdown, and with about half of the cabinet ministers resigning, Merino ultimately decided to step down.

According to AP News and others, interim President Merino submitted his resignation letter to the National Congress on the day. Foreign media expected the Congress to accept it. President Merino said, "Like everyone else, I want the best for our country."

Merino's resignation came amid ongoing large-scale anti-government protests following the impeachment of former President Mart?n Vizcarra on the 9th. Merino, who was the Speaker of the National Congress from the center-right opposition party, took office on the 10th but was not recognized domestically or internationally.

Former President Vizcarra was impeached by Congress on the 9th while under investigation by prosecutors for allegedly receiving bribes totaling 2.3 million soles (about 720 million KRW) from companies in exchange for infrastructure construction contracts during his tenure as governor from 2011 to 2014. Vizcarra, who had been pushing reforms, denied all allegations, and the Peruvian people held protests opposing the congressional impeachment decision.

Manuel Merino, Interim President of Peru
[Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

On the night of the 12th, a protest considered the largest in 20 years took place. On the night of the 14th, two people died and hundreds were injured in protests. The health authorities reported that the two who lost their lives in the protests were 22-year-old Jack Pintado and 24-year-old Jordan Sotelo, who were shot 11 and 4 times respectively, including in the head and chest.

The Washington Post (WP) reported that mostly peaceful protests took place in Lima, the capital of Peru, but police officers armed with riot control equipment tried to suppress the protests using tear gas and other means.

Interim President Merino said that while Congress works to appoint a new president, the ministers will continue their duties. However, WP pointed out that it was unclear whom Merino was referring to, as at least 11 ministers, including the ministers of the Interior, Justice, Commerce, and Energy, had resigned overnight.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.